Arnett

Moultrie

Harkless is still a raw product, and he needs to work hard on his shooting range, which lends credence to Collins’ quote. The Sixers will start him out as a wing player but hope that he’ll evolve into a PF, while fellow rookie Arnett Moultrie is primarily a PF but could also play C, especially if Spencer Hawes leaves as a free agent.

Projections for Moultrie have been all over the place, but he’s a projected top 20 pick. A really solid rebounder with plus athleticism, Moultrie would fit a need alongside Greg Monroe on Detroit’s front line. There has also been speculation that the Pistons will consider UNC’s John Henson.

Names like Moultrie, Jared Sullinger, Tyler Zeller, John Henson, Fab Melo and Kyle O’Quinn are said to be possibilities, but not all of those guys will be on the board when Philadelphia makes its pick. With Spencer Hawes an unrestricted free agent, it makes some sense for the Sixers to look for size in the draft.

Suns GM Lance Blanks said that the current depth on the roster would not prevent drafting another big man. “If that means duplication at a spot, so be it.” “Because at the end of the day, you want to have talented players and guys that can make it in this league and contribute to your roster.” Moultrie is projected to go in the teens on draft night.

During his workout, Moultrie injured his ankle and did not come out to talk to reporters after the session. There are no specifics about the injury being released yet, but it has not been reported to be serious. Moultrie is projected to be selected in the teens in Thursday night’s upcoming NBA Draft.

Moultrie started his college career at UTEP and then transferred to Mississippi State. He proceeded to impress against SEC competition, posting 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game last season. At 6'11/225 with good energy, shot-making ability and athleticism, Moultrie has a chance to be a mid-round steal.

He has $18 million left on the final year of his contract and he’ll have a new team this season, as teams will be free to bid on him off the amnesty waiver wire, where he’ll draw plenty of interest. That should mean plenty of minutes for guys like Thaddeus Young, Lavoy Allen and rookie Arnett Moultrie next season, and will give the Sixers more financial flexibility as they continue to look for free agents to bring on board. They agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal with SG Nick Young on Friday, and will re-sign C Spencer Hawes as well, which is why they were forced amnesty Brand. Teams under the salary cap get the first chance to bid on Brand, which puts the Bobcats, Hornets, Rockets, Cavs, Mavs, Suns and Blazers in a position to take a shot at him.

This could be a significant workout as the Blazers hold picks No. 6 and No. 11. Moultrie is a candidate to be taken in the lottery, but with LaMarcus Aldridge already in the fold, Portland could opt to go for more of a true center if the team is targeting size with one of the two selections.

That’s probably wishful thinking, as both guys are coveted FAs. Philly did little to address either need (C or SG) on draft night, adding two F prospects in Moe Harkless and Arnett Moultrie, though they expect Harkless to give them outside scoring and Moultrie to hold down minutes at PF.

Moultrie was considered a possibly lottery pick at one point, possessing good size and unusual athleticism for a 6'11" player. He had some issues with knee tendinitis during college, which could account for his slide on draft day, but it’s not a major red flag. Between Moultrie and No. 15 pick Moe Harkless, the Sixers added two excellent F prospects.